DIMAPUR — The Rotary Club (RC) of Kohima, in collaboration with G Rio School, hosted a one-day awareness programme on drug abuse and peddling on October 7 at Kevilhouu Rio Auditorium, G Rio School, Kohima.
Around 550 students from five schools, from classes 8 to 12, participated in the programme, according to a press release.
Speaking about the current state of drug abuse and peddling in Naga society, Nginyeih Konyak, chairperson of the Nagaland State Commission for Women, stated that traffickers frequently exploit vulnerable segments of society, particularly youth and those facing economic hardships, such as widows and marginalised women, to facilitate drug trafficking.
MLA Dr. Tseilhoutuo (Ato) Rhutso, talking about the liver's critical role as the body's filter, elaborated on the distinction between beneficial and harmful drugs, emphasising the grave consequences of continued drug abuse, which can eventually lead to liver failure (cirrhosis).
He urged all to raise awareness, offer support, and foster a society in which people can live healthier lives.
DIGP (Training) Chümoukedima, Imnalensa, talked in his speech about drug trafficking and its consequences, as well as the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
He mentioned that the act aims to prohibit all aspects of drug trafficking, including cultivation and manufacturing, as well as transportation, storage, sale, and purchase.
Imnalensa went on to explain how the act categorises drug offences into three levels based on the quantity of drugs involved: small quantity, less than commercial quantity, and commercial quantity.
Individuals who engage in drug-related activities face not only legal consequences but also jeopardise their ability to fulfil their social responsibilities, he said.
The five schools that took part in the programme were Rüzhükhrie Hr. Sec. School, Bayavu Hr. Sec. School, Mewi School, Vizonyu Hr. Sec. School, and G Rio School.